It’s Star Wars time isn’t it? Now don’t tell me you can’t
get these yet as they are not out till December – but Bandai’s two new kits
from “The Force Awakens” focus on a pair of droids in 12th scale and
the new version of the Tie Fighter flown by the First Order in 72nd
scale. Let’s take a look at these two kits in our preview to show you what’s incoming…
New Bandai kits for December...
1/12th
scale
Expected price: 2,592
yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP
Due in December 2015
In a twin pack we are given the choice of only which one you
want to build first. Bandai has recreated the famous astromech droids R2-D2
& BB-8 – both in 1/12th scale for all of us modellers – this is the third
set of droids from Bandai in 12th scale so a little on the robots
themselves before we look at what’s promised in this kit…
R2-D2 – who almost needs no introduction does he?
A resourceful astromech droid, R2-D2 served Padmé Amidala,
Anakin Skywalker and Luke Skywalker in turn, showing great bravery in rescuing
his masters and their friends from many perils. A skilled starship mechanic and
fighter pilot's assistant, he formed an unlikely but enduring friendship with
the fussy protocol droid C-3PO.
BB-8 is the spherical, loyal Astromech Droid of the Resistance pilot
Poe Dameron.
BB-8 – another astromech droid operated approximately thirty years after the Battle of Endor. The droid was at one point operating in the desert of the planet Jakku. It had a domed head, similar to that of R2 series astromech droids, with the bulk of its body made up of a ball that the droid rolled on.
BB-8 was mostly white, with some silver and orange on its
body, as well as a black eye-piece. The droid belonged to Resistance pilot Poe
Dameron, and thus was able to fit into a T-70 X-wing fighter's droid socket.
The new combo kit of 1/12th scale BB-8 &
R2-D2" will come in at a price at 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP and they are
expected to hit the shelves in December this year.
These two droids are captured in multi-coloured plastic around
the time of “Star Wars – The Force Awakens." Both of these models are made
in multi-coloured plastic so the younger modellers need not even worry about
painting them.
Both of these models feature some of the same joint motions
of the robots in the films. There are even the various tools is included that
can be attached to the robots to recreate them in many poses doing jobs and in
various scenarios like in the films.
This kit comes with a handy shiny floor in the style of the deck
inside the Death Star. This deck fits into the other models in this series’
decks to possibly be linked with other products of the pedestal of the sale. BB-8’s
extra stand can reproduce the behaviour rolling in the lower body of the
sphere.
Model features
Display base included
Various arm/ tool
parts × 7 or storage box × 1 expression
Water slide decals
& Stickers included
1/72nd scale
Expected price: 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP
Due in December 2015
Expected price: 2,592 yen/ $22usd / 14 GBP
Due in December 2015
Bandai has recreated the famous Tie Fighter in 1/7nd scale
for all of us modellers who are peaking out about two things – new Star Wars
kits and a new movie called “The Force Awakens.”
Let’s investigate the “real thing” quickly before we take a
look at what this kit has to offer…
The First Order
Special Forces TIE fighter was a Starfighter used by the First Order. It
was a two-seater unlike the previous TIE models, and was outfitted with
enhanced weapons and sensor systems. Only the elite Starfighter pilots were
able to gain access to this specialized craft.
Following the traditions of the Galactic Empire, the First
Order has kept the TIE fighter design in service, but has updated the craft to
modern combat standards.
The Bandai kit:
This new 1/72nd scale “First Order Tie
Fighter" is expected to come in at a price of 2,592 yen – or $22usd /14
GBP and we are told it will see the market in December.
This kit promises a few details including the new coloured
detail on the fuselage and reworked engines and weapons that represent this new
TIE Fighter. The model features a clear canopy with a nicely detailed cockpit.
Another feature that this kit has is a neat little action
option with twin laser blasts which can be represented with the clear green
sprues that fit into the end of the laser barrels. The kit includes two 1/72nd
scale figure - seated or upright type.
Model features
Display base included
Laser effect clear
plastic parts × 2
1/72 scale pilot
figures (seated × 1 · upright × 1)
Water slide decals
and stickers both available
So now you know they
are coming in December you have some time to start looking for them! EBay is a
good alternative as is someone that is heading to Japan. Remember guys don’t
remind me you can’t get them you just gotta look!
